WRAL Explorer Post 5 offers members the opportunity to learn all aspects of television broadcasting, from reporting and anchoring to producing newscasts and shooting local productions. Members will hear and learn from award-winning professionals at WRAL through clinics and workshops as well as get hands-on experience by participating in our “job shadowing” program.

Members, both in groups and as individuals, will be given small projects that are both challenging and fun. In previous years, members made 5-second films, designed commercials for their favorite soft drinks and created public service announcements, conveying important messages in creative ways. These projects, among others, have exhibited the impressive growth in every member, and Post 5 will continue to challenge each individual with more innovative activities.

Post 5 members will leave the program with real-world skills, and we hope they will continue to pursue the field of broadcasting in college and provide WRAL with a powerful recruiting program for future employees.

History:

Post 5 was chartered in 1969 by Jim Goodmon, president and CEO of Capitol Broadcasting Company Inc., and former WRAL-TV engineer Powell Kidd.

Originally, Post 5 focused on scouting and consisted of an all-male membership. During the mid-1970s, the Post began producing documentaries and then began producing "Post 5 Reports," a 30-minute interview program, in 1979. As local high schools began teaching classes in broadcasting, Post 5 became increasingly popular. The membership has since opened to females.

Post 5 is regarded as the second oldest Explorer Post in the nation. In its 48 years, Post 5 has introduced hundreds of youths to the field of broadcasting and has seen many members go on to successful careers in the television industry.

Affiliation:
Exploring, part of Learning for Life – a subsidiary of the Boy Scouts of America – is a unique partnership between local businesses and organizations to bring real-world, hand-on experiences in a wide variety of career fields. Explorer Post 5 is associated with the Occoneechee Council of Boy Scouts located in Raleigh, N.C.

Membership Requirement:
Exploring is a coed program for young adults, ages 14 to 20, who have completed the eighth grade. The program emphasizes career opportunities, citizenship, leadership experience, life skills and character education. Please note that membership is limited and requires an application. There is a small membership fee of $30.